Cranberry Surprise Pie
A vibrant cranberry pie with crunchy pecans and a rich egg custard filling, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions, offering a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 10-inch pie plate, spread cranberries.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup sugar and chopped pecans; set aside.
- In a bowl, beat eggs with an electric mixer.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of sugar and beat well.
- Add melted butter, melted shortening, and flour alternately to the egg mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cranberries in the pie plate.
- Bake about 60 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter pie, consider increasing the sugar slightly or adding a touch of honey to the cranberries. If you want a nuttier flavor, substitute walnuts for pecans. Ensure you mix the egg mixture thoroughly to achieve a light texture. You can also use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable; just thaw and drain them before use.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cranberry Surprise Pie warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Divinity Salad for a festive meal or as a dessert at holiday gatherings. Enjoy it alongside coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until warm. For a firmer texture, you can warm the entire pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Surprise Pie contains roughly 541 calories, with 6g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the pie. This will help maintain the pie's texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
How can I make this pie ahead of time?
You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Bake it, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. Before serving, you can warm it in the oven or serve it cold, depending on your preference.
What can I substitute for the shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will provide a rich flavor and maintain the pie's texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).